I use arca swiss cube or monoball z + gitzo legs.ball head or gear? it depends on your preferences. You can also look at "hybrid" head D4 from arca.I have the legs-very old and heavy. I've never had problems with quality. These legs can be bought for very little money. But the heads really worth investing.

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Best regards,DF

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I use a series 3, carbon fibre Gitzo with the Arca-Swiss Z DP monoball and an Arca-Swiss D4 geared head. Both heads are really fine and work superbly with my medium format gear as well as 35mm with telephotos up to 300mm 2.8. I've had a variety of heads over a 40 year period, and the Arca-Swiss are the only ones I have been completely satisfied with.

For the conditions I shoot in and my equipment - Hasselblad/Leica - I use a Gitzo 2 series carbon fibre tripod and an Arca Swiss P0 head, together with RRS and Arca Swiss QR L plates and plates. If I was shooting in windy conditions and using telephoto lenses I'd be using something else.

While a geared head is convenient for a MF camera, it should be pointed out that MF cameras do not always require bigger/sturdier tripods and heads than 24x36 SLRs. They are not much heavier and, the ones which have a lens shutter produce less vibration when you use the mirror up function.

This being said, I just bought a Manfrotto 400 geared head myself (used), but I am not sure it was a good idea. It is quite heavy.

very intereseting that the most of you use geard heads! But not the cheap Manfrotto 410 or 405. Buy cheap buy twice? I am very excited to know what others use...Thank you.cyron

I disagree with you here. I use a Manfrotto 410, and it's far and away the best head I've ever had. It replaced a Gitzo which was twice the price - and wobbled. I'd recommend a Manfrotto to almost anyone - it's very robust, and seems to be able to do almost anything. Biggest camera I've ever used on it was an RB67 - no problem, even though that's heavier than Manfrotto say the head is designed for. The QR is fine. I'd recommend one of these to almost anybody - I have found no drawbacks or limitations with it at all.

While a geared head is convenient for a MF camera, it should be pointed out that MF cameras do not always require bigger/sturdier tripods and heads than 24x36 SLRs. They are not much heavier and, the ones which have a lens shutter produce less vibration when you use the mirror up function.

Hi guys,I am new in the mid format business and a ask me: what kind of heads and tripods do you use for your mid format system? Do you use gear heads for landscape?

Thank you.Cyron

Hi, it all depends on what you are looking for. Generally the top manufacturers produce quality gear. So the choice is quite personal since everyone has different priorities in regards to size / weight, function and system.

I have three tripods and three heads. (Gitzo and RRS). I use the arca style plates and rrs panning clamps. I go with the light tripod for extended hikes, I use a series 2 for a lot of things but take the series 3 gitzo if I can most of the time. Its a 4 section and when extended its quite tall which helps in uneven terrain when one leg is further downhill than the others. The center column is also removable if desired. Over the years you hone your technique and you know what you like to have in your gear. Thankfully today there are many high quality choice and lot's of options.

I use a Rally Right Stuff 34L with an Arca Swiss Cube fitted with a RRS clamp. My cameras all havecRRS L plates. I also use an old Manfrotto studio tripod with a Manfrotto geared head when I have to use equipment which cannot be used with the L plates such as the Hasselblad HTS and the Stackshot.

Just to be different , I use a Berlebach Report 2042. This is a nice German-made wooden tripod with a ball-and-socket mounted centre column that eliminates the need for a head about 90 percent of the time for me (mainly landscape or portrait work). A bit heavier than carbon-fibre, but the absence of a head partially makes up for that, and besides, it's sturdy, well-damped, relatively affordable and very good looking!